why make this recipe
Creamy Broccoli Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that makes dinner time easy and enjoyable. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights because it combines simple ingredients into a creamy pasta that both kids and adults will love. Plus, it uses just one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward!
how to make Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat the oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the pasta and broth to the pot, bringing it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the broccoli halfway through the pasta cooking time.
- Once the pasta is tender, mix in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy your meal!
how to serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Serve Creamy Broccoli Pasta hot, right from the pot! You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Creamy Broccoli Pasta
To store leftover Creamy Broccoli Pasta, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
tips to make Creamy Broccoli Pasta
- Feel free to add more veggies such as spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
variation
You can easily switch up the pasta type or add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a protein boost. This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to your taste!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free alternative.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check the labels on your broth and other ingredients.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Broccoli
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta Use your preferred pasta shape.
- 3 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen can be used.
Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth Choose broth based on dietary preference.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half or plant-based cream for a lighter version.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For a dairy-free alternative, use nutritional yeast.
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Cooking
- Heat the oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the pasta and broth to the pot, bringing it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the broccoli halfway through the pasta cooking time.
- Once the pasta is tender, mix in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy your meal!